Final answer:
Psychologists use neuropsychological tests to assess specific cognitive deficits linked to different brain regions. The mental status exam evaluates memory, language, and other functions, revealing impairments related to injury or neurological disorders. This traditional method remains fundamental despite advances in medical imaging technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologists may use neuropsychological tests to detect specific cognitive deficits. These assessments are crucial in elucidating the extent of cognitive dysfunction following brain injury or neurological disease. The mental status exam, a component of the neurological exam, assesses higher cognitive functions like memory, language, and emotion, which can be localized to specific regions of the cerebral cortex.
For example, memory functions are often ascribed to the temporal lobe, particularly the structures known as the hippocampus and amygdala. Language functions are usually localized to the left hemisphere, specifically between the superior temporal lobe and the posterior frontal lobe. Thus, impairment in these areas uncovered through various subtests can point to specific neural damage.
It's important to note that while medical technology offers noninvasive imaging, the neurological exam remains a fundamental tool for assessing neurological function and determining potential causes for loss of neurological function, whether from acute events like stroke, or from chronic conditions such as trauma.